U.S. patent application number 13/831852 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for adjustable cervical collar.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wayne A. Calco. Invention is credited to Wayne A. Calco.
Application Number | 20140012172 13/831852 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49879067 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140012172 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Calco; Wayne A. |
January 9, 2014 |
ADJUSTABLE CERVICAL COLLAR
Abstract
An embodiment of an adjustable cervical collar system includes a
collar body and a chin support structure assembled together, about
respective pivots at opposed ends, for pivotal movement about a
pivot axis so that the angle subtended by the collar body and chin
support structure can be adjusted. The collar body and chin support
structure can be locked in a selected position by a locking
mechanism. A release mechanism permits the wearer to release the
locking mechanism using one hand, and the angular position of the
chin support structure relative to the collar body is changed
manually. When the release mechanism is released, the locking
mechanism automatically locks the chin support in the new position.
A neck strap is detachable from the chin support structure and the
collar body, and its length is also adjustable.
Inventors: |
Calco; Wayne A.; (Aliso
Viejo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Calco; Wayne A. |
Aliso Viejo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49879067 |
Appl. No.: |
13/831852 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61668727 |
Jul 6, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/055 20130101;
A44B 17/0041 20130101; A44B 17/0076 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/18 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/055 20060101
A61F005/055 |
Claims
1. An adjustable cervical collar system, comprising: a collar body;
and a chin support structure; wherein the collar body and chin
support structure are assembled together, about respective first
and second pivot connections at respective side portions of the
collar body and the chin support structure, and arranged for
pivotal movement about a pivot axis so that the angle subtended by
the collar body and chin support structure can be adjusted through
an angular range, and locked in a selected position by a locking
mechanism; a release mechanism permitting the wearer to easily
release the locking mechanism, using one hand in a single action,
and allowing the angular position of the chin support structure
relative to the collar body to be changed manually by the wearer,
and wherein when the release mechanism is released, the locking
mechanism automatically locks the chin support in the new
position.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a neck strap; and
wherein the neck strap is detachable from the assembly of chin
support structure and the collar body, and its effective length is
adjustable.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the neck strap has a first strap
end portion and a second strap portion, and each end portion is
removably attached to a respective one of the first and second
pivot connections by a respective strap connector.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein each strap connector is
configured to allow adjustment of the effective strap length and
easy connection and disconnection of the strap connector from the
collar body and chin support structure, and also to allow rotation
of the strap connector about the pivot connection to the collar
body.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein each strap connector comprises: a
housing; a back plate; respective first and second clip members
mounted in the housing and retained by the back plate, each clip
member including a button portion and a clip barb feature; a spring
member mounted in a protruding boss feature of the back plate and
providing a bias force tending to push the barb features apart; the
barb features of each strap connector configured to pass through an
opening in a connector end of the collar body and to clip over an
interior surface of the chin support structure, to secure the strap
connector in place; and wherein the button portions protrude
through slots in the housing structure, and configured so that the
user, by pressing the respective button portions together, urge the
respective barb portions toward each other and out of engagement
with the collar body and chin support structure, allowing the
connector to be removed, while also allowing the connector to
rotate through a range of motion relative to the collar body.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the strap end portions each have
a series of ribs, and wherein adjustment of the effective strap
length is provided by engagement of tips of a brake feature carried
by the connector structure between ribs of the strap end portion,
and wherein the connector structure further includes a sliding
plate which can be pushed inwardly by the user to allow the tips of
the brake feature to lift out of engagement with the ribs, allowing
the strap end portion to be moved within the connector housing to
adjust its position.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein each connector is configured to
allow the neck strap to be removed from the collar body and chin
support structure without changing the effective strap length, so
that the effective strap length is maintained after removal and
reattachment of the strap from the collar body and chin support
structure.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises:
an arcuate series of collar body locking teeth formed on each side
portion of the collar body, and a sliding member carried by the
chin support member on each side portion and having a set of slider
member teeth facing the collar body locking teeth, the sliding
member arranged for sliding movement between a locking position in
which the slider member teeth are engaged with the collar body
locking teeth, and an unlocked position in which the slider member
teeth are out of engagement with the collar body locking teeth.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a
bias spring to apply bias force on each slider member to bias the
slider member to the locking position.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the release mechanism comprises:
respective connector members having respective first ends attached
to the respective sliding members; a mechanism to exert pulling
force on the respective connector member to pull the sliding member
against the bias force and out of engagement with the collar body
locking teeth to release the locking mechanism.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the mechanism to apply pulling
force is carried by the chin support structure, and comprises: a
wheel assembly mounted for rotation about a center shaft, with pins
protruding from the wheel assembly at opposed locations adjacent a
wheel periphery; attachment members for connecting ends of the
connector members to respective ones of the pins; actuating arms
arranged to engage the wheel assembly at opposed locations and
having button portions for contact by a user; a spring structure
arranged to bias the actuating arms apart; the actuating arms
arranged to apply a rotational forced to the wheel assembly when
the button portions are pressed toward each other, rotating the
wheel assembly and exerting opposed pulling forces on the connector
members and thereby on the sliding members, pulling the sliding
member teeth out of engagement with the collar body locking teeth
and releasing the lock mechanism.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the collar body and the chin
support structure are rigid structures fabricated from one or more
rigid plastic materials.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the chin support structure is
formed with a plurality slots to allow the side portions of the
chin support structure to spread apart without damaging the chin
support structure, to accommodate patients with large necks, the
slots also configured to provide ventilation.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a neck strap
structure comprising a neck pad portion and first and second strap
portions; a first end of each strap portion arranged to connect to
the collar body; and wherein second ends of the first and second
strap portions are respectively attached to opposed sides of the
neck pad portion by a pivot connection allowing the respective
first and second strap portions to pivot relative to the neck pad
portion through a range of motion to adjust the position of the
neck pad relative to the collar body.
15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a lock configured to
prevent operation of the release mechanism after the angular
position has been set to a desired position.
16. An adjustable cervical collar system, comprising a rigid collar
body structure having opposed side portions; a rigid chin support
structure having opposed side portions and a center portion
arranged to support the wearer's chin; a neck strap structure;
wherein the collar body and chin support structure are assembled
together, about respective pivot connections adjacent end of
corresponding side portions of the collar body and chin support
structure, and arranged for pivotal movement about a pivot axis so
that an angle subtended by the collar body and chin support
structure is adjustable through an angular range; a locking
mechanism locking the chin support structure in a desired angular
position within the angular range relative to the collar body; a
release mechanism actuated by a wearer of the collar system,
configured to permit the wearer to easily release the locking
mechanism, using one hand, to allow the angular position to be
changed manually; the locking mechanism including a series of
collar body teeth carried on each side portion of the collar body
and a sliding member carried for sliding movement on each side
portion of the chin support structure and having a sliding member
teeth, each sliding member arranged for movement between a lock
position in which the sliding member teeth engage the collar body
teeth and prevent rotation of the chin support structure relative
to the collar body, and a release position in which the sliding
member teeth are out of engagement with the collar body teeth.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a spring member for
biasing each sliding member to the lock position, such that when
the release mechanism is not actuated, the sliding member is in the
lock position.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the neck strap is detachable
from the assembly of the chin support structure and the collar
body, and its effective length is adjustable.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein the collar body includes a
surface region configured to contact the wearer's chest region, and
the collar body includes is integrally formed spaced ventilation
fins, configured so that distal edges of the fins space portions of
the collar body away from the wearer's chest region.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the collar body includes a tab
end extending past the pivot connection with the chin support
structure, to bridge a gap between neck pad and the collar body, on
patients with larger necks, and to underlay the strap and neck pad
on patients with smaller necks, while providing additional
circumferential support of the cervical collar structure about the
patient's neck.
21. The system of claim 16, wherein the neck strap structure is a
multi-piece assembly, including a neck pad structure and first and
second straps each having a first end which attaches to the neck
pad structure by a pivotal connection, and a second end which
attaches to a strap connector configured for connection to a
respective pivot connection between the collar body and the chin
support structure, the pivotal connection allowing the respective
strap to pivot through a range of motion relative to the neck pad
structure.
22. The system of claim 16, wherein the collar body and the chin
support structure are rigid structures fabricated from one or more
rigid plastic materials.
23. A strap connector for connecting an elongated strap to a
structure, the strap connector comprising: a connector housing
structure configured to receive an end of the strap and allow the
strap to be inserted through a connector housing to a desired
position for an effective strap length: a lock mechanism to lock
the strap at the desired position within the connector housing; a
connector mechanism for connection to the structure, and wherein
the connector mechanism includes manual release features configured
to provide ready disconnection of the strap connector from the
structure without releasing the lock mechanism, so that the strap
connector is disconnected from the structure without changing the
effective strap length.
24. A neck strap system for a cervical collar body, comprising: a
neck portion arranged to fit about the back of the neck of a
person; an elongated strap portion connected to the neck portion; a
strap connector including a connector housing, the strap connector
configured to receive an end of the strap portion and allow the
strap portion to be inserted through a connector housing to a
desired position for an effective strap length between the
connector and the neck portion, the strap connector including: a
lock mechanism to lock the strap portion at the desired position
within the connector housing and a lock release manually actuated
by a collar user to allow the strap portion to move within the
housing; a connector mechanism for connection to the cervical
collar body, and wherein the connector mechanism includes manual
release features actuated by the collar user and configured to
provide ready disconnection of the strap connector from the
cervical collar body without releasing the lock mechanism, so that
the strap connector is disconnectable from the structure without
changing the effective strap length.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the connector mechanism of the
strap connector comprises: a back plate; respective first and
second clip members mounted in the housing and retained by the back
plate, each clip member including a button portion and a clip barb
feature; a spring member mounted in a protruding boss feature of
the back plate and providing a bias force tending to push the barb
features apart; the barb features of each strap connector
configured to pass through an opening in a connector end of the
collar body and to clip over an interior surface to secure the
strap connector in place; and wherein the button portions protrude
through slots in the housing structure, and configured so that the
user, by pressing the respective button portions together, urge the
respective barb portions toward each other and out of engagement
with the collar body, allowing the connector to be removed.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein the strap end portions each
have a series of ribs, and adjustment of the effective strap length
is provided by engagement of tips of a brake feature carried by the
connector structure between ribs of the strap portion, and wherein
the lock mechanism of the connector structure includes a sliding
plate which can be pushed inwardly by the user to allow the tips of
the brake feature to lift out of engagement with the ribs, allowing
the strap portion to be moved within the connector housing to
adjust its position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/668,727, filed Jul. 6,
2012.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cervical collars are used to support a person's neck and
head for various therapeutic, comfort and emergency uses. Some
collars are adjustable, and ease of adjustment and fitting to a
particular person is desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Features and advantages of the disclosure will readily be
appreciated by persons skilled in the art from the following
detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawing
wherein:
[0004] FIGS. 1A and 1B are respective isometric views of an
exemplary embodiment of an adjustable cervical collar with one side
of a neck strap detached from its right side connection, taken from
an upper left and lower right orientation. FIG. 1C is a left side
view of the collar, showing the neck strap detached from its left
side connection. FIG. 1D is a bottom view of the collar as in FIG.
1C. FIG. 1E is a right side view of the collar as in FIG. 1A. FIG.
1F is a front view of the collar as in FIG. 1E.
[0005] FIG. 2A and 2B are isometric views of the cervical collar as
in respective FIGS. 1A and 1B, with the neck strap removed, and the
chin support housing partially removed. FIGS. 2C and 2D are views
similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B, but showing an alternate embodiment of
a spring feature.
[0006] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the cervical collar
arrangement as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D, and the connection
between the neck strap and the pivot connection.
[0007] FIGS. 4A and 4B are respective front and back isometric
views of one exemplary strap connection to the collar pivot. FIG.
4C is an exploded view of the strap connection of FIGS. 4A and
4B.
[0008] FIGS. 5A and 5B are respective front and left side
diagrammatic views illustrating use of a cervical collar as
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4B on a person.
[0009] FIGS. 6A and 6B are respective isometric views of an
alternate embodiment of a chin support structure, respectively
taken from a lower and an upper orientation.
[0010] FIGS. 7A and 7B are respective isometric views of an
alternate embodiment of a neck strap structure, taken along upper
and lower orientations. FIG. 7C is a isometric view of a portion of
the neck strap structure of FIG. 7A and 7B, in relation to a collar
body and chin support structure, with the strap end positioned for
insertion into a connector. FIGS. 7D and 7E show an alternate
embodiment of a collar body structure. FIG. 7F shows a cervical
collar system with foam pads attached.
[0011] FIGS. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a lock for
preventing operation of a release mechanism for an adjustable
collar body system.
[0012] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate another embodiment of a lock for
preventing operation of a release mechanism for an adjustable
collar body system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] In the following detailed description and in the several
figures of the drawing, like elements are identified with like
reference numerals. The figures may not be to scale, and relative
feature sizes may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes.
[0014] An exemplary embodiment of an adjustable cervical collar
system 50 is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-5B. The collar system includes
a neck strap 60, a collar body 70, and a chin support structure 80.
The collar body and chin support structure are assembled together,
about respective pivots at each end, and arranged for pivotal
movement about a pivot axis 52 so that the angle subtended by the
collar body and chin support structure can be adjusted through an
angular range, and the structures 70 and 80 locked in a selected
position by a locking mechanism. The system includes a release
mechanism permitting the wearer to easily release the locking
mechanism, using one hand, and the angular position of the chin
support structure relative to the collar body is changed manually.
When the release mechanism is released, the locking mechanism
automatically locks the chin support in the new position. The neck
strap 60 is detachable from the chin support structure and the
collar body, and its length is also adjustable.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of features of an exemplary
embodiment of the collar system, including the collar body 70 and
the chin support structure 80.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the collar body 70 is a unitary
rigid one-piece structure, preferably fabricated by injection
molding a plastic material, such as polypropylene, polyamide,
polycarbonate or other suitable material which becomes rigid when
cured or cooled. The collar body includes an arcuate portion 72,
having end portions 72A and 72B. The end portions have peripheral
portions 72A-2 and 72B-2 defining circular openings 72A-1 and
72B-1, respectively. The peripheral portions each have a series of
locking teeth 72A-3 and 72B-3 formed on the exterior surfaces, and
the teeth form part of the locking mechanism described above.
[0017] The chin support structure 80 includes a rigid lower housing
structure 82 and a rigid upper housing structure 84, which are
assembled together by threaded fasteners, or in other suitable
ways, such as snap fit or adhesive. The housing structures 82 and
84 are respective unitary one-piece structures, which in an
exemplary embodiment are fabricated by injection molding a plastic
material, such as polypropylene, polyamide, polycarbonate or other
suitable material which becomes rigid when cured or cooled. The
exploded view of FIG. 3 shows the elements of an exemplary locking
and release mechanism 100, which are fitted within the assembled
housing structures.
[0018] FIGS. 2A-2B show the assembly 90 of the collar body 70 and
chin support structure 80 in different states. In FIG. 2A, the
upper housing structure 84 is not shown. In FIG. 2B, the lower
housing structure 82 is not shown, and the upper housing structure
is partially broken-away to reveal sliding member 104 and X-shaped
spring 104B, with cable end 108A of cable 108 attached to the
sliding member 104. The X-shaped spring applies a bias force
tending to push the sliding member 104 and its teeth 104A into
engagement with the collar body teeth 72B-3. A pulling force
applied to the sliding member 104 can compress the spring 104B, to
move the teeth 104A out of engagement with the collar body teeth
72B-3. Sliding member 102 operates in a similar manner.
[0019] FIGS. 2C-2D are similar to FIGS. 2A-2B, but illustrate an
alternate embodiment of a spring to apply bias force on the sliding
members 102, 104. The alternate embodiment includes 104B' which may
be integrally formed as part of sliding member 104, from a plastic
material, The spring 104B' is formed with serpentine elements,
which may be compressed by a pulling force tending to pull the
sliding member 104 away from the collar body teeth 72B-3.
[0020] The lower housing structure 82 includes respective connector
end portions 82A, 82B, which are cooperatively configured with the
end portions 72A, 72B of the collar body 70 such that the connector
end portions 82A, 82B are fitted into the circular openings 72A-1
and 72B-1 and allow pivotal movement of the chin support structure
about the pivot axis 52. In this exemplary embodiment, the
connector end portions define circular bosses such as 84B-1
protruding within an outer shroud portion 84B-3. The circular boss,
e.g. 84B-1, fits within the peripheral portion, e.g. 72B-2, of the
end portion 72, and acts as a bearing surface. A tab 84B-2
protrudes from the circular boss, and a pin, such as pin 84B-2A,
protrudes from the tip of the tab in a transverse direction, and
rides over a series of small openings 74B-8 formed in the
peripheral portion of the collar body, so as to provide a visual
indication of the angular position of the chin support structure
relative to the collar body. The housing structure 82 is a rigid
structure, and the distance between the connector end portions 84A,
84B is slightly longer than the distance between the end portions
72A, 72B of the collar body. the ends of the collar body may be
spread partly apart, or the ends of the chin support pressed
together slightly to allow the assembly of the connector end
portions into the end portions of the collar body, and the natural
tension of the juxtaposition of the chin support with the collar
body will maintain the assembled condition.
[0021] The collar system 50 includes a releasable locking system
100 to lock the chin support structure 80 in a desired rotational
position relative to the collar body 70. The locking system
includes the lines of teeth 72A-3 and 72A-4 formed on the outer
surfaces of the peripheral portions 72A-2 and 72B-2, which are
engaged by teeth formed at the end of sliding members 102, 104
carried within the chin support housings 82 and 84 and constrained
for some movement along an axis toward and away from the teeth on
the collar body. The sliding members are biased toward the collar
body teeth by spring members, so that the default or rest positions
of the sliding members are in the locked or engagement positions
with the collar body teeth. First ends 106A, 106B of flexible
cables 106, 108 are attached to the respective sliding members 102,
104 to provide a means to pull the teeth of the sliding members
against the spring bias force and out of engagement with the collar
body teeth, to release the lock. The user may then rotate the chin
support structure to a desired position relative to the collar
body, with the locking system in the unlocked or released
condition. Releasing tension on the cables 106, 108 allows the
spring force (applied by springs such as 104B or 104B') to
automatically pull the sliding members back to the locked condition
at the desired position.
[0022] The releasable locking system 100 further includes a
mechanism operable by the user to exert pulling force on the cable
ends 106B, 108B. In an exemplary embodiment, this mechanism
includes a wheel assembly of wheels 110, 112 mounted for rotation
about center shaft 110B, with pins 110A protruding from the wheel
assembly at opposed locations adjacent the wheel periphery. The
cable ends 106B, 108B have eyelets which are connected onto
respective ones of the pins 110A, and sandwiched between wheels
110, 112. By rotating the wheel assembly, opposed pulling forces
are exerted on the cable ends and thereby on the sliding members
102, 104, pulling the teeth on the sliding members out of
engagement with the collar body teeth and releasing the lock.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanism to exert pulling
force on the cable ends further includes housing 112, back plate
116 and actuating arms 114A, 114B. The actuating arms are mounted
in the housing 112, each having a button portion 114A-1 and 114B-1
which protrude through openings 112A on opposite sides of the front
of the housing 112. A spring 114A-2 on arm 114A provides a
separating force tending to push the respective button portions
away from each other. The actuating arms 114A, 114B have respective
slot openings 114A-3, 114B-3 which are engaged by respective pins
110A of the wheel 110. The respective slot openings 114A-3, 114B-3
are offset to allow engagement with the pins disposed at opposed
locations on the wheel periphery. The user can grip the buttons
between two fingers and press the two buttons toward each other,
and thus actuating the wheel assembly to exert pulling forces on
the cables. When the user releases the buttons, the pulling force
is released, and the locking mechanism is in a locked position.
Other suitable mechanisms may also be employed to rotate the wheel
assembly 110, 112.
[0024] The lower housing 82 includes channel features in which the
sliding members are mounted. An opening such as 82A-4 in each
shroud portion (such as 82A-3) of the housing 82 allows the toothed
end of the sliding member to pass into engagement with the collar
body teeth.
[0025] The spring members (such as 1048, 104B' may be fabricated of
a material such as nylon. An exemplary suitable material for the
cables 106, 108 is Delrin.TM. but other material may alternatively
be employed. The cables may be attached to the sliding members by
snap fit, adhesive, fasteners, or even by integral molding of the
parts.
[0026] The neck strap 60 is attached at each end to the pivot
connections of the collar body and chin support structure by a
strap connector. An exemplary connector 120 is illustrated in FIGS.
3 and 4A-4C. The connector 120 includes a housing member 122 and a
back plate 124 assembled to the housing member by threaded
fasteners. The strap 60 in an exemplary embodiment is a unitary
flexible or semi-rigid material, such as nylon or polyethylene.
[0027] The strap connector 120 provides the functions of adjusting
the effective strap length and allowing easy connection and
disconnection of the strap connector from the collar body and chin
support structure. The connector 120 also allows for rotation of
the connector about the connection to the collar body. Respective
clip members 128A, 128B are mounted in the housing 122 and retained
by the back plate, and each includes a button portion (128A-2,
128B-2) and a clip barb feature (128A-1, 128B-1). A spring member
126 is mounted in a protruding boss feature 124A of the back plate,
and provides a bias force tending to push the barb features apart.
The barb features 128A-1, 128B-1 are configured to pass through the
opening in the connector ends of the collar body 70, and to clip
over the interior surface such as 84A-5 of the lower housing
structure 82, thus securing the connector 120 in place. The button
portions 128A-2, 128B-2 protrude through slots 122B in the housing
structure 122, and the user, by pressing the respective button
portions together, urge the respective barb portions toward each
other and out of engagement with the collar body and chin support
structure, allowing the connector to be removed. Another feature is
that the connectors 120 allow the neck strap to be removed from the
collar body and chin support structure, without changing or
affecting the effective strap length.
[0028] The adjustment of the effective strap length is provided by
engagement of tips 132A of a brake feature 132, carried by bracket
structure 134, between ribs 64A of the strap end 64. A sliding
plate 130 can be pushed inwardly by the user to allow the tips 132A
to lift out of engagement with the ribs, allowing the strap to be
moved within the connector housing to adjust its position. A spring
134A bears against the sliding plate to bias it to the locked
position. The brake feature 132 is not affected by pressing the
button portions 128A-2, 128B-2 together to release the connector
from engagement with the collar body and chin support structure.
Thus, the patient or medical staff does not have to adjust the
strap each time the collar system is removed from the patient; the
existing strap position is maintained.
[0029] FIGS. 5A and 5B diagrammatically depict an exemplary
embodiment of the cervical collar system 50 in position on a
person.
[0030] Other strap configurations may alternatively be employed,
such as straps which connect to the collar body assembly by hook
and loop fasteners, or by snaps.
[0031] Foam pads may be attached to the chin contacting surface of
the chin support structure, and the chest contacting surface of the
collar body (e.g. by hook and loop fasteners) to provide additional
comfort for the collar wearer. Such pads may be open cell foam pads
covered by a fabric layer of a moisture wicking type.
[0032] An alternate embodiment of a chin support structure 80' is
illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In this embodiment, the lower
housing structure 82' and the upper housing structure 84' are
formed with slots to allow the extreme ends of the chin support
structure to spread, to accommodate patients with very large necks,
and also provide ventilation to a pad attached to the chin
supporting surface 84' (e.g. by hook and loop fasteners) and
facilitate wicking away moisture. However, the slots are arranged
such that the chin support structure 80' remains rigid and provides
rigid support to the patient's chin while wearing the collar. Such
pads may be open cell foam pads covered by a fabric layer. As with
the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-5B, the lower and upper housings
structures are unitary, one-piece structures, fabricated by
injection molding of a thermoplastic material. The slots are spaced
away from the center portion of the chin support structure 80'. The
lower housing structure 82' has two sets of slots 160, 162 on each
side of the center portion. The slots 162 are formed through a
portion of outer curved surface 82B' and extend through a portion
of curved interior surface 82A' of the lower housing structure 82',
stopping short of the edge 82C'. The slots 162 are formed through
interior curved surface 82A' and extend from edge 82C' to an
intermediate position between edge 82C' and edge 82D'. Slots 160
and 162 are interleaved. In this embodiment, three each of the
slots 160, 162 are formed in the lower housing structure 82' on
each side of the center of the chin support structure 82'.
[0033] Slots 164 are formed in the upper housing structure 84', as
shown in FIG. 6B on opposite sides of the center of the chin
support structure, and are respectively aligned with the slots 162
formed in the lower housing structure. The slots 160, 162 and 164
are arranged in a transverse relation to the pivot axis 52 (FIG.
1A) in this exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the
slots are about 0.035 inches wide.
[0034] In all other respects, the chin support structure 80' is
similar to structure 80 of FIGS. 1A-5B, and assembles to the collar
body 70 a neck strap in similar fashion.
[0035] Pulling apart the extreme ends of the chin support structure
82' when assembled to the collar body 70 allows the extreme ends to
be moved apart slightly without cracking or breaking the rigid
plastic material of the chin support structure, to allow the collar
system to accommodate very wide necks. However, the slots are
arranged such that the chin support structure 82' rigidly supports
the wearer's chin in vertical and horizontal directions. In an
exemplary embodiment, the chin support structure may accommodate up
to about two inches of spread.
[0036] An alternate embodiment of a neck strap 60' for the cervical
collar 50 is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C. Instead of being a single
piece structure, the strap 60' is a multi-piece assembly, including
a neck pad structure 60A' having a broad top portion 60A'-1 and a
narrow lower portion 60A'-2, and two straps 60B' and 60C'. The
straps each have a first end which attaches to the broad top
portion of the neck pad structure by a pivotal connection 170, 172,
and a second end which attaches to a strap connector 120 as with
the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-5B.
[0037] The pivotal connections 170, 172 may be formed by respective
boss structures 170A, 170B integrally formed at the end of the
respective strap ends 60B'-1 and 60C'-1, each boss fitted through
an opening (60A'-2 or 60A'-3) in the neck pad 60A' Each boss has
barbs extending outwardly at distal ends, to capture the boss in
place onto the neck pad. Rigid covers 170C and 170D fit over the
strap ends 60B'-1 and 60C'-1, and each are secured in place on the
neck pad by three spaced, barbed bosses protruding through slots
formed in the neck pad. FIG. 7B shows boss 170C-1, for example. The
covers provide additional protection against the strap end becoming
disconnected from the neck pad, and also provide some frictional
engagement against the strap end, tending to hold the strap in a
position relative to the neck pad.
[0038] The neck pad 60' may be fabricated of a rigid or semi-rigid
material, such as nylon or polyethylene. Vertical louvers 60D'-1
are formed in the central region of the neck pad to facilitate
flexing or bending of the neck pad to accommodate the contour of
the patient's neck region, and the louvers and holes in the neck
pad provide ventilation allowing moisture such as perspiration to
escape. The covers 170C, 170D are preferably a rigid material such
as nylon. The straps are preferably formed of a semi-rigid material
having some flexibility, such as nylon.
[0039] The opposed ends 60B'-2 and 60C'-2 of each strap are
inserted into the corresponding strap connector 120 for the system
50, and drawn in to tighten the strap 60' as discussed above
regarding the strap 60. FIG. 7C illustrates a portion of the neck
pad and strap 60C' in position relative to collar body 70'
assembled to chin support structure 80 or 80'. The distal end of
the strap is positioned for entry into the connector 120, as
described above regarding FIG. 4C. Collar body 70' (shown in FIG.
7D and 7E in further detail) has an extending tab end, such as tab
end 72A' extending past the pivot connection with the chin support
structure. Slots 72A'-1 are formed in the tab end to facilitate
bending of the tab end. The tab ends 72A' and 72B' serve to bridge
the gap between the side of the neck pad and the collar body, on
patients with larger necks, and to underlay the strap and neck pad
on patients with smaller necks, while providing additional
circumferential support of the cervical collar structure about the
patient's neck.
[0040] The pivotal connection of the strap ends to the neck pad
structure allows each strap to be 60B' and 60C' to be pivoted with
respect to the neck pad, e.g. by +/-45 degrees or so, and in this
embodiment the range of movement is limited by the covers 170C,
170D. The pivotal connection provides another adjustment of the
cervical collar on the patient, increasing the patient's
comfort.
[0041] The alternate embodiment of the collar body 70' is provided
with integrally formed spaced fins 72E'-1 to provide some
ventilation to a pad attached to the undersurface or fins, e.g. by
hook and loop dot fasteners. The fins hold the pad away from the
solid surface 72D'-1 of the collar body, allowing moisture such as
perspiration to escape from the pad and its moisture-wicking fabric
cover.
[0042] Pads can be attached to the chin support surface of the chin
support structure, to the chest contacting surface of the collar
body, and to the neck pad, as illustrated in FIG. 7F. Pad 210
attaches to the underside of the collar body 70', page 200 attaches
to the upper surface of the chin support 80', and pad 220 attaches
to the inner facing surface of the neck pad 60'. The pads may be
attached by hook and loop fasteners, or other attachment
mechanisms.
[0043] Other embodiments of the adjustable collar system may
include a means for preventing adjustment of the vertical position
of the chin support structure after the position has been set or
locked to a desired position. Two exemplary techniques are
disclosed for providing a lock for the release mechanism. FIG. 8
illustrates an insert 230 configured for closing an open window 240
formed in the upper structure 84 of the chin support structure 80.
The insert 230 has a pin 232 which protrudes into the release
mechanism between the arms 114A and 114B, and blocks or prevents
the buttons 114A-1 and 114B-1 from being pressed together to rotate
the wheel assembly 112. The insert has a pair of locking barbs 234,
236 which will grip the sides of the window 240 to hold the insert
in place. Thus, once the medical staff or patient has adjusted the
angular position of the chin support 80' relative to the collar
body 70 to the proper, desired position, the insert 230 may be
inserted in place to close window 240, and block the release
buttons from being pressed together to pull the sliding members out
of engagement with the teeth on the collar body.
[0044] Another technique for preventing further adjustment of the
collar body system is illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Here, a cover
250 is formed of a rigid plastic material, such as polycarbonate,
and is formed to fit over the release buttons 114A-1 and 114B-1,
preventing access to pinch the buttons together. The cover is
molded to the contour of the buttons and boss covering the buttons,
and can be a snap fit to assemble to the chin support structure.
Barbs or adhesive may be used to further secure the cover 250 in
place.
[0045] Although the foregoing has been a description and
illustration of specific embodiments of the invention, various
modifications and changes thereto can be made by persons skilled in
the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention.
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